Scope and Content

Correspondence, lectures, and miscellaneous manuscripts including 'Judith' and notes on English literature. There is also some additional correspondence relating to Charles Abeyedeera (1913).

Administrative / Biographical History

Gregory Foster was born on 10 June 1866. He was educated at University College School and University College London, graduating with honours in English Language and Literature in 1888. In 1892 he was awarded the degree of PhD by Strasburg University, for a thesis on the old English poem 'Judith' (published in the same year). He taught in the English department at University College London, first as a Quain student (1894-1899) and then as Assistant Professor (1900-1904). He was also Professor of English Language and Literature at Bedford College for Women, London, between 1897 and 1900. In 1900 Foster was appointed Secretary to University College. In 1904 he was elected Principal; a title that was changed in 1907 to Provost. He was elected Vice-Chancellor of London University, 1928-1930. Foster died in London on 24 September 1931. He was knighted in 1917 and created a baronet in 1930.